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How to obtain a residence card in Poland and how long it takes to get one
Introduction
What is a residence card and what is it used for?
Karta pobytu (Residence Card) is a plastic document confirming the right of a foreigner to legally stay and work in Poland for a longer period of time than in the case of a visa or visa-free travel.
It replaces a visa and gives you: the right to stay in Poland for a long period of time, the possibility to work legally (if based on work), access to medical care, banks, renting a flat and in some cases to travel within the EU.
Types of residence cards in Poland
In 2025, three types are current:
Temporary residence card (1-3 years) - basis: work, study, family, business. Most popular with foreigners.
The EU long-term resident card is of unlimited duration and gives almost the same rights as EU citizens
(except for the right to vote).
Permanent residence card - right to live and work indefinitely. Basis: marriage to a Polish citizen,
Polish roots, long period of residence.
Who can apply
for a residence card in 2025
The application can be made by foreigners who have legitimate grounds:
Work (under contract of mandate, contract of employment).
Studies (university, postgraduate studies, courses).
Family (reuniting with spouse/children)
Doing business in Poland.
Other circumstances (humanitarian, religious, scientific).
Documents needed
to obtain a residence card
To apply for the
residence card in 2025, you must prepare:
Completed application form.
Foreign passport + copies.
4 current photos.
Documents proving the basis
(employment contract, student card, marriage certificate).
Document confirming ownership of the dwelling (rental agreement, registration certificate).
Proof of income (certificate
from employer, bank statement).
Insurance (National Health Service or private).
Receipt for payment of stamp duty (440 zł if the application is made in connection with work).
Errors in the application,
which cause refusal
Inadequate income levels.
No confirmed residence.
False or incomplete documents.
Exceeding the application deadline.
How to speed up the process
of issuing a residence card
There are several legal ways to do this:
Submit documents in advance,
before the expiry of the visa/certificate.
In extreme cases, a complaint for inaction
(complaint to the court for the inaction of the governor).
Check completeness of documents (errors = delay).
File a complaint (reminder) in the event of
delay of more than 6 months.
Seek assistance from experienced
coordinators or lawyers.
How Synago helps with the residence card
We prepare the whole package of documents.
We advise at every stage.
We provide the official basis - the employment contract.
We assist in finding housing and insurance.
We accompany you during your applications and contacts with the office.
How long does it take
to issue a residence card?
Formally, the time limit for processing is three months from the submission of fingerprints and original documents. However, 2025 practice shows that:
The average waiting time is between 6 and 12 months.
In some provinces (Mazowieckie, Śląskie), the process can take up to 18 months.
Reasons for delays: server overload,
suspension of deadlines, incomplete documents.
Frequently asked questions
